DSKTOOL v1.3

By Ricardo Bittencourt
Updated by Tony Cruise (2010)
Modernized by Leandro V. Catarin (2025)

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Index

1. Introduction
2. Syntax
3. Examples
4. Implemented Suggestions
5. What's New
6. Acknowledgments
7. The Author

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1. Introduction

Hello, MSX community!

In 2025, with the goal of preserving the legacy of this essential tool, I set out to modernize DSKTOOL for retro computing enthusiasts. The .DSK format remains crucial for MSX emulation and preservation, but the tools needed an update.

Among the new features, advanced boot sector operations allow deeper disk management—perfect for homebrew developers and preservationists. The command syntax has been modernized for intuitive use while keeping the original commands available for compatibility.

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2. Syntax

DSKTOOL <dsk_file> [files] [options]

Commands

Command	Description
ls	List disk contents
x	Extract files
rm	Delete files
a	Add files

Boot Sector Operations

Command	Description
sx	Save boot sector to a binary file
sw	Write boot sector from a binary file
s	Initialize boot sector (0 = zeros, 1 = MSX-DOS default)

📌 Note:

• The [files] parameter supports wildcards (* and ?).

• For boot operations, specify either a filename (sx/sw) or an initialization mode (s).

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3. Examples

3.1. List contents with the modern command

DSKTOOL ls GAMEPACK.DSK

3.2. Extract all .COM files while preserving case

DSKTOOL x UTILS.DSK *.COM

3.3. Advanced disk surgery - Replace boot sector

DSKTOOL sw SYSTEM.DSK CUSTOM.BIN

DSKTOOL a SYSTEM.DSK NEWKERNEL.SYS

3.4. Create a new disk with a custom boot

DSKTOOL s BLANK.DSK 0

DSKTOOL sw BLANK.DSK MYBOOT.BIN

DSKTOOL a BLANK.DSK MYPROG*.*

3.5. Forensic recovery - Dump boot sector

DSKTOOL sx MYSTERY.DSK BOOTSAVE.BIN

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4. Implemented Suggestions

New suggestions are always welcome! The MSX scene continues to evolve, and our tools should too.

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5. What's New

[1.3] 2025 - Leandro V. Catarin

✅ Added boot sector operations (save, restore, initialize).
✅ Modernized command set (ls/x/rm) while keeping original commands.
✅ Improved error handling and user feedback.
✅ Preparations for future disk format support.
✅ Refactored codebase for multi-platform support.

[1.2] 2010 - Tony Cruise

✅ Fixed memory leak in add_single_file.

[1.1]

✅ Fixed bug with files larger than 64 KB.

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6. Acknowledgments

Standing on the shoulders of giants, I acknowledge:

🖥️ Ricardo Bittencourt and Tony Cruise, original creators of DSKTOOL.
📖 Eduardo Barbosa and Edison Moraes, authors of the "MSX Bible".
🔧 DJ Delorie and Charles Sandmann, DJGPP pioneers.
🆓 Richard Stallman, free software champion.
🌍 MSX.org community, keeping our passion alive.
🇧🇷 Brazilian MSX community, for keeping the retro flame burning!

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7. The Author

Leandro V. Catarin
💾 MSX enthusiast since childhood, now giving back to the community that shaped my computing journey.
📧 Contact: [[email protected]]

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🚀 Keep the MSX spirit alive!